* Course Overview
BA (Hons) Business Psychology
Take an in depth look at the fascinating world of business psychology with this undergraduate programme. Focusing on real life situations you will gain an understanding of the psychological behaviours of people in business or organisation contexts.
This course will allow you to immerse yourself in a variety of unique and interesting topics including psychological development through the lifespan, leadership and managing teams, as well as individual differences, emotions and behaviours.
You will learn to apply knowledge of the human mind and behaviour to investigate fundamental business functions, as well as adopting core psychological theories to understand organisational change, effective leadership, recruitment and selection, and corporate decision-making.
The fascinating range of topics you will explore include:
- the study of the social factors that impact on individual’s lives
- explaining why people differ from one another
- how organisations are built and how they behave as a result
- relationships among an organisation’s culture, its leadership, and its employees
- the dynamic roles of management in the area of human resources
- Finally, you’ll be able to build on your research skills acquired during the programme through your final project on a business psychology topic that is of personal interest to you.
Please note: This course is not accredited with the British Psychological Society (BPS).
* Course Details
Duration : 3 year
Credits : 360 CR
Entry Requirements : Highschool Diploma or Equivalent
Intakes : Every month in 2020.
Delivery Method : Blended
- Blended Learning is a mix of Online to Offline education mode. Students can study all the university materials online but there is minimum offline management.
- Online lectures, webinar, and workshops.
- Independent learning
- Case Study
- Group-based work
Level 4 Modules :
This module aims to:
▪ Assess the academic readiness of new students
▪ Develop the foundation skills and competencies required to successfully engage in online Higher Education learning
▪ Deliver the opportunity for students to explore personal opportunities and objectives in their current and future organisational roles through the development of a wide range of skills, behaviours, attributes and competencies. Students will be encouraged to reflect critically upon such concepts as self-awareness, lifelong learning an
Learning Outcomes:
▪ Demonstrate the technical and personal requirements of online learning
▪ Demonstrate competencies in the use of the tools available to online learners
▪ Possess the ability to reflect on activities and personal development in terms of both process and task
▪ Identify effective operational techniques in a variety of learning contexts
▪ Explain the organisational, environmental and societal contexts in which their careers and lives will unfold.
▪ Possess the ability to cite and reference academic sources using the American Psychological Association (APA) style of referencing.
Gordon Allport (1968) described social psychology as the study of how the thoughts, feelings and behaviours of individuals are influenced by the actual, imagined or implied presence of others. To some extent we are all social psychologists because to get by we need to have a welldeveloped understanding of why people behave in the ways that they do. This common sense, intuitive understanding is not the same as being an empirical scientist and this module will be an introduction to the scientific investigation into the ways in which people, as individuals or in groups, influence on another
Learning Outcomes:
▪ define social psychology and demonstrate understand what social psychologists do;
▪ demonstrate understanding of ethical conduct in psychology;
▪ critically evaluate how we process, store and use information about ourselves and other people;
▪ critically evaluate how attitudes are formed and changed.
This module aims to:
▪ Explore the dynamic roles of management in the area of human resources by examining the internal and external environment of business
▪ Analyse the job functions of human resource management—including staffing, performance appraisal, training and development, compensation, labour relations, and international human resource management
Learning Outcomes:
▪ Identify job requirements, develop job descriptions, and recommend job qualifications
▪ Outline and understand the recruitment and selection process by assessing various tools including testing, application blanks, interviews, references, and resumes
▪ Understand major laws affecting personnel practices
▪ Distinguish between various compensation programs and rate different incentive plans as motivations in particular situations
▪ Formulate simple programs of policies and guidelines for motivation of employees, effective communication, and safety concerns
▪ Discuss the importance of the socialisation process in developing a dedicated, loyal, productive employee; and develop a process to bring it about including the essentials of employee training and management development.
This module is a first introduction to the study of human memory and cognition. This is the study of the mental events and knowledge we use when we recognise an object or a person, have a new idea, memorise facts, understand or solve a problem. Whilst other fields of study seek to understand these issues through philosophical or nonempirical methods, the central feature of cognitive psychology is its scientific approach to the study of brain and behaviour; particularly, the argument that if mental processes exist that they can be studied scientifically. Cognitive psychology has broad applications to other disciplines and fields outside of experimental psychology and this module will introduce you to the application of theories and research in this area to fields such as education and medicine
Learning Outcomes:
▪ critically evaluate the evidence that thinking can be improved;
▪ demonstrate application of the relationship between acquisition, retention and retrieval of knowledge to real world situations;
▪ demonstrate understanding of the basic principles of experimental design;
▪ carry out a literature search using an academic data base.
This module aims to:
▪ Emphasise key concepts and issues underlying the modern practice of marketing
▪ Examine the role of marketing in the organisation and in society
▪ Analyse the general nature and role of marketing, the marketing concept, buyer behaviour and the environment in which marketing operates
▪ Understand the four main decision areas of products and services, distribution, promotion and pricing
▪ Understand the marketing audit process and apply this process in the development of recommendations for improving marketing practice
Learning Outcome:
This module aims to help students understand and develop their skills in the research process. Students will be introduced to the techniques and methods used through various stages of research and will have the opportunity to carry out data collection with a group of their peers. Students will be supported to carry out the appropriate design, data collection and analysis.
Learning Outcomes:
▪ critically assess scientific methods;
▪ select appropriate analytical techniques;
▪ carry out qualitative analysis;
▪ plan, design, conduct, analyse and report a piece of scientific research.
▪ conduct a literature review
Optional modules : Choose one
This module focuses on a branch of psychology that seeks to explain why people differ from one another and how it is possible to measure those differences. Specifically, we look at three aspects of the field of individual differences, personality, intelligence and abilities. Students will examine theories and applications of individual differences as well as learn the basic conceptual principles of psychometrics, which is the measurement of mental capacities and processes fundamental to this field of psychology
Learning Outcomes:
▪ critically evaluate approaches to the theory and measurement of individual differences;
▪ critically evaluate genetic and environmental influences on human behaviour;
▪ demonstrate application of this knowledge through reflecting on their own personality constructs;
▪ present a theory based analysis of a personality assessment
This module aims to develop the students’ knowledge and understanding in their own management skills via effective people management to meet an organisation’s goals and objectives. Students will learn to distinguish between the role of a leader and a manager, understand how to establish effective teams and increase levels of motivation in the workplace. This module also aims to develop the students’ understanding of effective communication channels and the communication process; as well as how to solve problems by making effective decisions in the workplace in relation to conflict, delegation and feedback; and providing effective performance management.
Learning Outcomes:
▪ Identify the key business and management skills areas which will be needed during their course and potentially in the world of employment
▪ Understand the specific responsibilities of middle managers in enabling an organisation to achieve its goals
▪ Understand how communication and interpersonal relationships affect managerial performance in the workplace
▪ Be able to resolve workplace problems by making effective decisions
▪ Identify personal development opportunities to improve own managerial performance
Level 5 Modules :
The biological approach to psychology views our thoughts, feelings and behaviours as physiological processes. Biological Psychologists assume that everything we call “the mind” is a product of the brain, and they therefore study the links between the structure and function of the brain and human behaviour. Biological Psychology is a methodologically complex area of psychology, and covers multiple biological levels: from the molecular to the cellular to the systems-level. Beside the anatomy and function of the human brain, Biological Psychology also considers the importance of genetics, hormones and animal models in understanding our mental processes.
▪ explain relationships between the structure and function of the nervous system and human thought, emotion and behaviour;
▪ critically analyse the methods used in Biological Psychology;
▪ evaluate our understanding of the biological correlates of cognitive processes, including memory, consciousness, language, and attention.
This module builds on previous study in cognitive psychology, developing students understanding of the theories, models and research of both cognitive psychology and the study of the biological processes which underlie mental processes. This field is known as cognitive neuropsychology and research and developments in this area are driven by techniques such as brain imaging, pharmacological studies, patient-based lesion studies and computational modelling approaches. Students will study these theories and techniques which are instrumental to our understanding of the mechanisms which determine human behaviour and brain dysfunction. Students will also obtain an appreciation for the historical aspects of neuropsychology so that they might better understand the development of how psychology and other professions have hypothesised about the brain’s structure and function over time.
Learning Outcomes:
▪ demonstrate advanced knowledge of cognitive psychology;
▪ make links between the history of cognitive psychology and contemporary developments in cognitive psychology and neuropsychology;
▪ critically evaluate the contribution that cognitive psychology and cognitive neuropsychology have made to our understanding of the mechanisms which determine human behavior and brain dysfunction;
▪ create a research proposal which addresses an application of cognitive neuropsychology to a chosen research problem.
This module aims to:
▪ demonstrate advanced knowledge of cognitive psychology;
▪ make links between the history of cognitive psychology and contemporary developments in cognitive psychology and neuropsychology;
▪ critically evaluate the contribution that cognitive psychology and cognitive neuropsychology have made to our understanding of the mechanisms which determine human behavior and brain dysfunction;
▪ create a research proposal which addresses an application of cognitive neuropsychology to a chosen research problem.
Learning Outcomes:
▪ Analyse and assess the influence of leadership on an organisation’s culture
▪ Critically evaluate the major attributes of effective leadership
▪ Apply understanding of various approaches to decisionmaking as they relate to effective leadership
▪ Analyse and distinguish among leadership approaches to managing change
▪ Critically evaluate the impact of change on people, processes, products, and organisational culture
This module expands student’s knowledge of individual differences; a branch of psychology that seeks to explain why people differ from one another and how it is possible to measure those differences. The study of personality and intelligence into the topics of mood, motivation and how those constructs influence behaviour. Students will critically analyse the methods of individual differences as well as build on their understanding of the principles of psychometrics which is the measurement of mental capacitates and processes and fundamental to this field of psychology.
Learning Outcome:
▪ critically evaluate approaches to the theory and measurement of individual differences;
▪ appraise the link between measurement in individual differences and the prediction of behaviour;
▪ demonstrate application of this knowledge through the analysis and interpretation of data from the International Personality Item Pool.
▪ demonstrate understanding of the basic principles of experimental design.
Organisational development (OD) is aimed at instigating and implementing planned change, often based on theory and the application of applied behavioural science, to enhance the effectiveness of an organisation’s decision making and problem solving. This module will explore theories and concepts relating to organisational development and change, such as those concerned with the nature of change, organisational culture and the leadership of change in contemporary organisations. It will also examine how these processes can be managed through the application of theory.
Learning Outcome:
▪ Understand organisational development and change through the relevant principles and values, as well as applying systems theory and action research
▪ Appreciate differences in change and development across industrial sectors
▪ Critically evaluate the strategies used for change, identifying those that are effective for sustaining it
▪ Understand and appreciate the importance of job satisfaction and motivation in effective organizational development, and how job design and sociotechnical systems theory supports this
The study of psychology is framed within behavioural science and competence in statistical analysis central to the discipline. Statistics are the methods that psychologists use for the objective, systematic description and interpretation of research results. The goal of this module is to teach some of the most commonly used statistical techniques. Students will learn; how statistics support the interrogation of hypothetical constructs; the role that data distributions play in the choice of statistical tests; how statistical power and the choice of correct tests are key to avoiding type 1 and type two errors. Data collection and analysis during this unit will develop key competencies in descriptive statistics (tests use to summarise data) and inferential analysis (tests designed to make inferences about populations and groups).
Learning Outcome:
This module explores the major developmental milestones from a variety of theoretical perspectives. Students will examine the principles of cognitive, social, biological, and emotional psychology with the aim of understanding the impact of developmental stages on human behaviour. Students will examine the critical milestones in human development from birth to adulthood, through the lens of cultural diversity.
Learning Outcome:
▪ evaluate critically the major principles and methods of lifespan development;
▪ apply knowledge and thinking to cultural questions in the psychology of lifespan development;
▪ apply this knowledge to a problem in contemporary society;
▪ critically evaluate adulthood.
This module aims to provide:
▪ Provide an overview of consumer behaviour and explain how it impacts marketing strategy;
▪ Analyse the concepts of consumer research, market segmentation, and motivation, focusing on individual personality, perceptions, attitudes, and learning;
▪ Recognise the influence of groups on consumer behaviour;
▪ Evaluate the consumer decision-making process.
Learning Outcome
▪ Critically explain the impact of consumer behaviour on marketing strategy
▪ Apply understanding of the consumer research process
▪ Apply understanding of the importance of market segmentation
▪ Critically analyse the importance of consumer learning theory
▪ Analyse and assess cross-cultural consumer analysis techniques
▪ Critically evaluate the consumer decision-making process
Level 6 Modules :
In this module students will engage in the study of the social factors that impact on individual’s lives. Key themes include healthcare, education, politics, injustice, inequality and discrimination and working conditions. Students will engage in an analysis of the impact of how these contextual influences shape human experience and behaviour.
Learning Outcomes:
▪ critically evaluate the science of psychology;
▪ demonstrate knowledge of the psychological theories that shape society;
▪ diagnose the extent to which behaviour may be socially mediated;
▪ systematically review information from the public domain and edu-blogs.
This module is the advanced study of human development in the areas of neuroscience, perception, cognition, language, emotion and social interaction. Students will engage with the technical aspects of developmental research, including the design, measurement and analysis issues in developmental research. Students will adopt a cross cultural perspective, examining historical and culture issues through topics such as physical and motor development.
Learning Outcomes:
▪ evaluate critically human development from multiple perspectives;
▪ critically evaluate advances in human developmental science;
▪ apply this knowledge to the analysis of the etiology and management of developmental disorders;
▪ write a reflective statement.
This module is concerned with the performance of people at work. How organisations, individuals and groups of people learn, perform, function and thrive. In this module students will gain an understanding of the significant theories and approaches associated with the discipline with the aim that they will be able to apply this knowledge both to their own performance management and the management of others.
Learning Outcomes:
▪ critically evaluate work based behaviours from a psychological perspective;
▪ apply the principles of psychometrics to test selection and evaluation;
▪ apply this knowledge to work-based problems.
▪ execute a research method commonly applied in the field of occupational psychology.
This module aims to:
▪ Develop in students a firm comprehension of the role of strategy and policy in the success of business organisations.
▪ Equip students to critically evaluate and review existing theories, concepts and practices in strategic management.
▪ Develop the diagnostic and analytical skills of students in the application of strategy and policy development in business organisations.
Learning Outcomes:
▪ Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the nature of strategy and its importance in an organisational context.
▪ Express a holistic comprehension of the core principles of strategic management.
▪ Display critical analytical and problem-solving techniques in appropriate business contexts, with the capacity to present conclusions professionally.
▪ Demonstrate initiative and creativity in the selection of suitable competitive strategies for organisational success.
▪ Display firm understanding of the importance of the strategic intent, purpose and culture in determining organisational effectiveness.
This module aims to:
▪ Equip students with knowledge and skills required in identifying and analysing international marketing opportunities
▪ Provide students with an appreciation of the international marketing environment and sources of information.
▪ Enable students to formulate appropriate strategies for the marketing of products and services in an international and global context.
Learning Outcomes:
▪ Understand and appreciate the underlying theories of international marketing.
▪ Critically analyse international marketing opportunities
▪ Demonstrate an ability to formulate and assess international marketing strategies.
▪ Demonstrate an understanding of both the process and the complexities associated with the implementation of international marketing programmes
▪ Analyse the international marketing implications of the activities of organisations such as the European Union, other regional trading blocs (i.e. NAFTA, ASEAN) and WTO.
The purpose of this module is to provide students with a theoretical understanding of the factors that affect decisionmaking in individual and organisational contexts. Drawing upon research from social and cognitive psychology, as well as organisational behaviour, the module aims to evaluate decision-making processes across a range of contexts; personal and professional. It will also examine different characteristics associated with decision maker and immediate environment and how these influence judgment and decisions; noting the impact on organisational decision making.
Learning Outcomes:
▪ critically evaluate the evidence for the trainability of thinking skills and performance;
▪ critically evaluate the principles of effective reasoning, decision making and critical thinking;
▪ analyse the anatomy of an argument and apply this understanding in a case study assignment;
▪ apply acquired critical thinking skills in reflective practices and case study assignments.
This module will build on research skills acquired during the programme. Students will apply research methods knowledge and analysis skills to their own project. Students will undertake a research project under supervision from a member of the teaching faculty. The topic can be chosen from a list made available by staff, or be a topic of the student’s own choosing, in agreement with their supervisor. The topic must relate to the programme of study that you are completing for example, you must choose a business psychology topic if you are on the BSc Business Psychology programme.
Learning Outcomes:
■ Formulate research questions drawing on relevanttheory and research.
■ Select appropriate research methodology, and describe protocols, for investigating identified research questions.
■ Plan and gain ethical approval which demonstrates consideration for the protection of research participants and adheres to the principles of the British Psychological Society’s Code of Human Research Ethics.
■ Have applied data analysis and written presentation skills to disseminate the outcome of the identified research questions.
■ Write a research proposal and final report using appropriate formats and materials.
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